Unit Overview

The theme for this unit is Picture This. This unit is centered on illustrators with different styles. Children will analyze books comparing illustrators, discuss illustrations plus the mediums used to create the artwork, and illustrate their own thoughts and stories. They will learn how illustrators express themselves through pictures and how illustrations help authors to tell a story. The students will learn about each illustrator and his/her artwork by reading non-fiction and fiction texts. This unit is structured so that each week is planned in a similar fashion to the first week. The lessons about illustrators can be duplicated easily by substituting different texts that focus on other illustrators. Students will also have a chance to interact with content links to short informational videos and books during this unit.

The three weeks of this unit are developed using lesson plans and lesson seeds. This unit is adaptable to the time frame that teachers have available. They may use all the illustrators or may choose to just use the illustrators that appeal to their students. Each day includes routine writing activities to help Prekindergarten students develop writing skills.

Controlling idea or central topic: How do illustrators use illustrations to tell a story?

Universal Design Principles and strategies for English Language Learners:

Organize the class in groups and pairs for discussion and cooperative work.

Use multiple modes of presentation so that students have different means of acquiring and integrating knowledge as well increase interest and motivation.

Offer students choice to research/share personal experiences with how illustrations help to tell a story

Considering using a word processing program or template (handout coming soon) for students to keep notes digitally such as Google note taking document.

Consider allowing students to keep their new learning journal in a word document.

When appropriate provide instructional scaffolding. For additional suggestions go to www.marylandlearninglinks.org and click on the Development and Learning Tab at the top of the page.

TEXT MODELS FOR LESSONS AND LESSON SEEDS

Texts:

Flotsam by David WeisnerNot a Box by Antoinette PortisNot a Stick by Antoinette PortisUptown by Bryan CollierThese Hands by Hope LynneIn the Small, Small Pond by Denise FlemmingUnderground by Denise FlemmingWhat Do You Do with a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin PageActual Size by Steve JenkinsSeven Blind Mice by Ed YoungA Pup Just for Me/A Boy Just for Me by Ed YoungHedgie's Surprise by Jan BrettHoney…Honey…Lion! by Jan BrettBrothers & Sisters Family Poems by Eloise Greenfield

IMPORTANT NOTE: Consider the need for Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) and/or for captioned/described video when selecting texts, novels, video and/or other media for this unit. See "Sources for Accessible Media" for suggestions at http://marylandlearninglinks.org/.